B-1B Lancers are currently undergoing the most advanced hardware and software upgrades to date as part of the Sustainment-Block 16 program.

Sustainment-Block 16 upgrades include a fully integrated data link in the aft station and vertical situation display upgrade in the front station as well as updates to navigation, radar and diagnostic systems.

“The B-1 has never seen this many upgrades in one block,” said Maj. Thomas Bryant, the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron assistant director of operations. “These upgrades will give us an entirely new aircraft; this is a game changer.”

The aft crew station will now receive five new color displays, all capable of providing moving maps and data link integration. Weapon systems officers will receive full “QWERTY” keyboards and new controllers to interface with the integrated battle station software.

U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca

Furthermore, a new MIDS LVT-1 radio, using integrated battle station capabilities, brings the B-1 into the Link-16 network, allowing the B-1 to send and receive text messages, imagery and mission assignments.

“The new data link capability is huge for the B-1,” Bryant said. “Command and control assets will have the ability to send us targets electronically, automatically linking into our system rather than manually entering the coordinates.”